ASTM A588 (Corten) vs C15E: 32% composition overlap. Significantly different materials serving different application areas.
ASTM A588 (Corten) vs C15E
Side-by-side chemical composition and mechanical property comparison.
Overview
ASTM A588 (Corten)
High-strength low-alloy weathering steel. Forms a stable protective rust patina eliminating the need for paint. Cu-Cr-Ni-V composition provides 4-8x atmospheric corrosion resistance vs carbon steel. Used for unpainted bridges, architectural facades, sculptures, outdoor structures, and freight cars.
C15E
1.1141
Low-carbon unalloyed case hardening steel — 0.12-0.18% C. Between C10E (softer core) and C22E (harder core) in the case-hardening range. Good balance of surface hardness (HRC 58-62) and core toughness after carburizing. Modern designation for Ck15. Used for small gears, pins, bushings, levers, and carburized parts where moderate core strength is acceptable. Also used for cold forming and deep drawing.
| ASTM A588 (Corten) | C15E | |
|---|---|---|
| Material Number | — | 1.1141 |
| Category | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Standard | ASTM A588 | EN 10084 |
Chemical composition (wt%)
| Element | ASTM A588 (Corten) | C15E | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 0–0.19% | 0.12–0.18% | OK |
| Si | 0.3–0.65% | 0–0.4% | Partial |
| Mn | 0.8–1.25% | 0.3–0.6% | No overlap |
| P | 0–0.04% | 0–0.025% | OK |
Mechanical properties
| Property | ASTM A588 (Corten) | C15E | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| tensile_strength | ≥ 485 | 350–490 | MPa |
| yield_strength | ≥ 345 | 210–260 | MPa |
| elongation | ≥ 18 | 25–32 | % |
Compatibility Assessment
ASTM A588 (Corten) and C15E have significantly different compositions (32% overlap). These materials are not interchangeable and serve different application areas.
Automated assessment based on composition analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM A588 (Corten) the same as C15E?
ASTM A588 (Corten) and C15E have a 32% composition overlap. They are generally not directly interchangeable.
Can I replace ASTM A588 (Corten) with C15E?
Generally not recommended. The compositions differ significantly (32% overlap). These materials have different alloying concepts and are intended for different applications.
What is the difference between ASTM A588 (Corten) and C15E?
The main differences are in the following elements: Si, Mn. ASTM A588 (Corten) is a Carbon Steel grade, while C15E is a Carbon Steel grade.
Related Comparisons
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Data provided for reference only. Always verify against the applicable specification for critical applications.
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